Killing Time

Jack Hibberd is an Australian theatrical legend with canonical works such as A Stretch of the Imagination and Dimboola which have contributed to creating an enormous theatrical heritage. His work captures a quintessential Australian nature often highlighting the larrikin and the sometimes less refined aspects of Australian culture. His work evokes the style of both Brecht and Beckett and Killing Time is no exception.

Father Time (Jim Daly) and Tod (Don Bridges) are two characters who are tied to one another on a variety of levels: social, psychological and emotional. However, their relationship is as problematic as it is strong. Hibberd explores this by examining how they pass the time; reminiscing, bickering, scheming and even deceiving one another. In other words, how they are killing time. The rapport between the performers is a tried and tested one and this is one of the strengths of the show. Both Daly and Bridges have also collaborated with Moore on previous occasions and there is a sense of profoundly knowing the material and its demands.

The set design Is unusual for the venue and adds a monumental quality to the production. It also provides the opportunity for interesting and surprising entrances and exits. Even though it is a limited space it seems more of the stage could have been explored. Father Time sits in front of a simple coffin which is never explained or mentioned despite the numerous references to death and decline in the text. The characters seem to be killing time, but time appears to be their enemy. In fact, given the presence of the coffin on stage, Tod could easily be interpreted as a figment of Father Time’s imagination; conjured up from the dead to stave off his own solitude. This is an intriguing play that lives up to expectations and provides an opportunity to indulge in Hibberd’s oeuvre. 

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Darren Gill